Welcome to American Studies: 2017-2018

Teachers: Michael Dwyer
& William Petrics

Dear American Studies Students and Parents:

Welcome to Otter Valley’s
American Studies program, now in its thirty-second year! This course combines
American literature and culture with United
States history, geography, and economics for a better
understanding of America’s
place in our world.Both of us teach the
course every day, all year, and students receive one credit each in both English
and Social Studies. As a teaching team, we combine our individual strengths to
generate a college prep course that concentrates on student centered learning
and achievement in both the language arts and the social studies. To meet our
high expectations, students are required to invest time outside of class to
complete independent assignments and other preparatory tasks. We do our best to
provide students with sufficient time and advanced notice to complete
long-range assignments; however, we do ask our students’ cooperation in
managing their time by not waiting until the last minute to complete these long
range tasks.

In-class activities are not
easily duplicated and are designed to practice and master many of the academic skills
deemed vital for success. Therefore, attendance is crucial to master these
vital skills. Please see us before any planned absences. Your cooperation is
appreciated by giving us as much lead time as possible when these planned
absences are scheduled. When a student is absent, we will place any new
materials in the student’s personal in-class folder.

Please peruse the outline of the
course. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact us. Our
contact information is found below. Over the course of the year both of us will
come to know our students equally. Feel free to contact either of us to discuss
academic progress. We maintain a single grade program for the course,
therefore, you many consult with either of us for any assessment or assignment.
Report cards are sent home every 6 weeks, and access to students’ grade book
via PowerSchool is available on line. We are excited about the beginning of
class this year and look forward to working with parents and students toward a
successful school year.